Locations:
Search IconSearch

Recipe Adventure: 7 DIY Salsas to Spice Up Any Meal

You’ll say goodbye to store-bought salsas after making these creations

Blueberry Jalapeno salsa

If your secret recipe for salsa involves twisting open a store-bought jar and dumping out the contents, here’s a news flash: You’re missing out.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Homemade salsa built from fresh produce offers a satisfying zing that’ll take your taste buds to a special place. There’s also plenty of room for culinary creativity if you’re willing to get adventurous with ingredients. (Blueberries, anyone?)

Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make your own salsa and wow anyone who dips a chip. See for yourself with these recipes.

Classic salsas

black Bean corn salsa

Want to replicate the look of store-bought salsa while boosting the taste? Try this recipe, which features familiar ingredients such as tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion and green pepper in a zesty dressing.

Or mix up this lower-fat version, which adds in chickpeas and jalapenos.

Go verde

tomatillo, tomatillo salsa, salsa verde, salsa recipes

Tomatillo may translate to “little tomato,” but the diminutive orb carries a BIG taste. The green fruit is known for its bright, tart and almost citrusy flavor — which is showcased in this salsa verde. (For added fun, you get to “unwrap” tomatillos by removing its paper-like husk.)

Extra veggies

pepper zucchini salsa

Whipping up a batch of salsa is a perfect opportunity to empty out your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer. This recipe features zucchini, yellow squash, red and green bell peppers.

Smoky goodness

Salsa with charred corn, pinto beans, onions and tomatoes

If you’re a fan of that charred grill taste, you’ll love this version of salsa. Letting ingredients such as corn, jalapenos and onions hang out on hot grates for a few minutes brings a smoky flavor that’ll have everyone scooping heavy. (Using pinto beans adds a nutritious twist, too.)

Advertisement

Feeling blue

salsa

The combination of blueberries, jalapenos and Hungarian hot peppers brings a sweet heat to this eye-grabbing salsa. Plus, the blue color — definitely not the norm in salsas — will draw some attention to the table.

Mango mania

Salmon with mango salsa

A salsa with no tomatoes? You bet. Mangoes grab the starring role in this mixture, which works great as a topping for salmon or on its own. It’s a tropical delight!

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Tomatoes stuffed with poblano peppers and avocado on cutting board, with line and pumpkin seeds scattered
October 24, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Stuffed Tomatoes With Poblano and Avocado

Fresh tomatoes with avocado make a great snack

Motar of mediterranean guacamole, with motar of corn chips nearby
October 3, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Guacamole Goes Mediterranean

Mix up your favorite guac by adding feta, rice vinegar and oregano!

Small bowl of salsa, with chips, peppers, lime and garlic around bowl
August 22, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Red and Green Pepper Salsa

A colorful combo of veggies that complements more than just chips!

Whole arugula, veggie and goat cheese pizza, with one piece cut, with asparagus in background
August 8, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Pizza With Arugula, Sautéed Veggies and Goat Cheese

As an appetizer or the main course, this pizza will please

Cabbage bowl with ground turkey
August 1, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Cabbage Cups With Gingery Ground Turkey

Makes a delicious light lunch!

Small bowl of corn salad with red peppers and shallots on a plate, surrounded by tortilla chips
May 30, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Zesty Corn Salad With Red Peppers and Shallots

What better time than summertime to try this simple corn salad!

Veggie tray with cream cheese dip in center of tray
April 25, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Cream Cheese Vegetable Dip

Nonfat and low-fat cream cheese combine for great taste

low-fat creamy Italian dip in bowl, with assorted veggies around
February 20, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Low-Fat Creamy Italian Dip

A low-sugar, low-fat dip perfect for snacking

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad